Burgundy River Cruise Adventure

About France

Blessed with some of the most gorgeous countryside in Europe, if not the world (not to mention perhaps the best wine around), Burgundy is a place everyone should explore at least once. And the best way to do it is from the deck of an ambling river barge. Visit small villages and first-rate wineries, bike through forests and vineyards on a provided bicycle, and soak up the glorious sunshine, all with the help of a charming little hotel that goes where you go. You won’t get a better glimpse of Burgundy’s pastoral pleasures than this.

What's Included

Your Foodie Moment: Chateau de Chassagne-Montrachet Wine Tour, Chassagne-Montrachet
Your Foodie Moment: Vougeot Wine Tasting and Cellar Tour, Vougeot. 6 nts aboard the Danièle canal barge. Cycling in the vineyards of Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits. Wine tours/tastings and cellar visits in Chassagne-Montrachet and Vougeot. Visits to Saint-Jean-de-Losne and Petit-Ouges. Free time to explore Dijon. All transport to/from included activities and between destinations. Use of bicycles during shore excursions.

Highlights

Cruise up the canals of Burgundy aboard the Danièle, sip local wines and sample regional dishes, cycle through villages and vineyards, relax in the onboard Jacuzzi as the scenery glides by

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERYIMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Notes

While it is our intention to follow the itinerary as advertised, some modifications to the itinerary may be needed if water levels become very low. This is rare, but please note that some excursions and activities may change if it is necessary to modify the vessel route.

Please note this itinerary runs in both northbound and southbound directions. Please refer to the “Tour Details” section for a complete list of departure dates.

Important Notes

1. While it is our intention to follow the itinerary as advertised, some modifications to the itinerary may be needed if water levels become very low. This is rare, but please note that some excursions and activities may change if it is necessary to modify the vessel route.

2. Please note that there are a limited number of bicycles on board, and as such, there will not be enough bicycles to accommodate every passenger at a given time. Please speak to your CEO about arranging a bicycle share schedule at the beginning of your tour.

3. All travellers are strongly encouraged to pack a reusable water bottle that can be filled from the water fountain on board the barge.

4. Please note this itinerary operates both Northbound and Southbound in direction. Please refer below for the exact departure dates:

2020
April 04, 18; May 02, 16, 30; June 13, 27; July 11, 25; August 08, 22; September 05, 19; October 03, 17

2021
April 03, 17; May 01, 15, 29; June 12, 26; July 10, 24; August 07, 21; September 04, 18; October 02, 16

Group Leader Description

This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEOs). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

Group Size Notes

Max 22

Meals Included

7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicles, Danièle canal barge, bicycle, walking.

About our Transportation

Passengers will be required to walk during land excursions, and cycle for the duration of cycling excursions. Please see the full itinerary for information on distance and durations per excursion.

The cycling routes on this tour are moderately challenging, with a few inclined paths (approx 40k, 25mi per route). E-bikes are available to rent to be used for both excursions. Please note that the number of e-bikes is limited, and to secure an e-bike for your tour we recommend pre-booking in advance.

Solo Travellers

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Number of cabins: 12
Maximum passenger capacity: 22
Number of crew members: 5
Amenities on board: spacious lounge with bar – restaurant – sun deck with loungers and parasols – barbecue deck – Jacuzzi at the prow of the barge – bicycles on board available for use by passengers – wifi on board.

Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day. Upon arrival to the city on day 1 (or earlier if you have booked pre-accommodation), please make your way to the joining hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon). Once you arrive at the hotel, look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details!

If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.

When you arrive to Dijon, you will have several options to get to the Mercure Dijon hotel (please check your vouchers to ensure this is your start hotel):

We always recommend printing out the address of the hotel (in the native language as well as English if available), to show to your taxi driver.

From Dijon Ville train station it’s about 10 – 15 minutes by taxi to the hotel and the price is around €10 depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take Tram 1 from stop Foch Gare to Auditorium which takes about 10 – 15 minutes as well and costs €1.20.

If you arrive into Gare de Dijon Porte Neuve it’s a 10 minute walk or a few minutes by taxi. A taxi will cost around €5 – €6.

It’s easy to reach Dijon by train. There is at least one direct train a day, otherwise most trains will go via Lyon and most trains will go into Dijon Ville train station. Some trains might arrive into Dijon Porte Neuve.

For the latest time tables and tickets, please visit http://www.sncf.com/en/passengers

Arrival Complications

We don’t expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

What to Take

We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. You must be prepared to carry your luggage up and down stairs, as well as on and off transportation.

Dress on board is informal. Plan to bring comfortable, casual clothing for all activities. When packing, we suggest that you do not weigh yourself down with too many clothes or too much gear. Select informal, practical attire that can be worn in layers.

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Visas and Entry Requirements

Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.

All visitors to the EU (European Union) and EEC (European Economic Community) countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand passport holders do not need a visa to visit the Schengen area (see below), however they may not stay longer than three months in any 6-month period.

For other nationalities, travelling in Europe has been simplified with the introduction of the Schengen visa. As a visitor to the Schengen area (Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Portugal, Finland, Italy, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Sweden, Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland) you will enjoy the many advantages of this unified visa system. Generally speaking with a Schengen visa, you may enter one Schengen country and travel freely throughout the Schengen region during the validity of your visa. There are limited border controls at Schengen borders, if any at all.

Please note that the UK and Ireland are NOT part of the Schengen agreement.

A Schengen visa is applied for at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country in which you will be spending the most nights on your trip to the Schengen space. If you are only visiting one country on your trip then you apply for your visa at the Consulate of this Schengen country.

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Money Exchange

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Western Europe. Check with your bank before departure. You should be aware when making purchases or withdrawing cash on a credit card that a fee usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of Euros, travellers’ cheques and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don’t want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an ‘emergency’ fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Tipping

It is customary in Europe to leave a small tip for service providers, such as waiters, if you are pleased with the service (€1-2).

Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory – component of your tour program, and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3-5 per day, depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however, the following guideline (per week) can be used: as a guideline €30-40 per person, per week can be used.

CEO: €30-40 per person, per week

Barge staff: €60 per person can be left in the room at the end of your stay, this will be split up between the barge staff

Local guide hire: €5-10 per person per day

Optional Activities

Please see the itinerary for information on optional activities, descriptions and estimated pricing.

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. Read more about travel safety for ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling.

A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation

The Planeterra Foundation planeterra.org is a Canadian non-profit organization that helps empower local people to develop their communities, conserve their cultures, and create humane and supportive systems for their endeavours. Planeterra provides capacity building and catalyst grants to get community social enterprises off the ground. These businesses address local challenges by providing benefits for indigenous people, empowering marginalized women, and granting disadvantaged youth access to education, employment, and brighter futures. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating programs into G Adventures’ itineraries globally.

G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.

Dollar-a-Day Program
G Adventures’ Dollar-a-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar for every day you are on trip. 100% of these donations go directly to support community development projects worldwide that are implemented by Planeterra.

Feedback

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we’ll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

Newsletter

Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/

Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra’s monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.

Minimum Age

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

International Flights

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Group Leader

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout.

PRODUCT_LINE: EFLEDN, ID: 24247

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

Itinerary

Day 1 Dijon

Arrive at any time.

Additional Notes:
Please note this itinerary runs in both northbound and southbound directions. Please refer to the “Trip Details” section to confirm what direction your specific departure is set to run.

Please note that most flights arrive in Paris, approx. 340kms away. There are frequent trains that run between Paris and Dijon – make sure to arrive in Dijon in time for the 6pm welcome meeting this evening.

Included Activities:
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting

Day 2 Dijon/Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune (1B, 1D)

Enjoy a free morning to explore Dijon. Opt to visit the Ducal Palace, the local market or go for a mustard tasting. In the afternoon, travel to St Leger and embark the Daniele. Raise a glass to the beginning of your river adventure.

Transport:
Private Vehicle (1.00-1.50 hours)

Day 3 Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune/Chagny (1B, 1L)

Upon arriving in Chagny opt to enjoy the surrounding lush greenery on a nature walk, sit down for a coffee at one of the many quaint cafês in town, or take a taxi to a local winery. Tonight, consider dining tonight at the famous Michelin-starred restaurant in town, Pierre & Jean.

Transport:
Danièle Riverboat

Day 4 Chagny/Chalon-sur-Saône (1B)

Known for the fine quality of white wine, the Côte de Beaune region is especially famous for their wines produced using Chardonnay grapes. Learn about the complexity of grape growth in this region, and how these conditions influence flavour.

Additional Notes:
Today’s cycling route is moderate with a few inclined paths. E-bikes are available to rent upon request (limited availability – see the “About Transportation” section of the Tour Details page for more information).

Day 5 Chalon-sur-Saône/Saint-Jean-de-Losne (1B, 1L)

Enjoy an afternoon cruise along the picturesque Saône River toward Saint-Jean-de-Losne. Opt for a walking through the old part of town, or take free time to explore this town’s quaint shops and cathedral square. Opt to enjoy dinner ashore.

Included Activities:
Saint-Jean-de-Losne Visit

Transport:
Danièle Riverboat

Day 6 Saint-Jean-de-Losne to Petit Ouges (1B, 1L, 1D)

If you chose to walk or cycle along the barge, this is an 8km route that takes you around the beautiful lush gardens of Château de Longecourt, a typical Burgundy castle, and finishes in Petit-Ouges where the boat stops for the night.

Transport:
Danièle Riverboat

Day 7 Petit-Ouges to Dijon (1B, 1D)

Depart Petit Ouges for a full day cycling tour through the Côte de Nuits region along the Route des Grands Crus, lined with lovely vineyards and some of the most picturesque villages in the region. Enjoy wine tasting in the quaint village of Vougeot before meeting barge in Dijon.

Additional Notes:
Today’s cycling route is moderate with a few inclined paths. E-bikes are available to rent upon request (limited availability – see the “About Transportation” section of the Tour Details page for more information).

Day 8 Dijon (1B)

Trains departing from Dijon can be booked after 10am and flights from Paris can be booked from 7pm.

Additional Notes:
If you’re flying out of Paris today, please note that it is approx 340km away. The group will be dropped off at the Dijon train station in the morning – we recommend not booking flights until the evening to allow enough time to travel to Paris.